T.D. Jakes Files Lawsuit Against Alleged Stalker

Revered mega church televangelist, author and television/film producer T.D. Jakes (pictured) is facing a battle against violent former congregation member Karleisha Tarver. Reportedly, the woman has stalked him in the past, so Jakes not only filed a lawsuit against her last month but a judge extended a restraining order last Friday because Tarver’s actions “may ultimately lead to the death of one of the plaintiffs, their family, their friends, church attendees and/or staff,” states the Star- Telegram.

The restraining order is a short-term one until a court hearing scheduled for next week, determining whether Jakes’ alleged stalker should be court-mandated to stay away from him permanently.

Tarver has reportedly stalked Jakes since 2011. The woman even allegedly tried to break into the bishop’s Fort Worth home on numerous occasions last month. During one such attempted break-in, one of Jakes’ security officers tried to stop Tarver from entering the premises. The woman allegedly accelerated her car and tried to run over the security guard, prompting other guards to summon police.

Tarver again attempted to enter Jakes’ home on Jan. 9, 14 and 17. On Jan. 9, she was “screaming obscenities,” per court documents.
The 31-year-old woman was a former Potter’s House Of Dallas congregant and in 2011 was expelled from the 30,000-strong member church. Later that year, Tarver reportedly interrupted a bible study meeting at the church and began yelling at the top of her lungs for no apparent reason. Police were summoned to the disturbance and gave her a criminal trespass citation at the time.

Court documents also state that Tarver was reportedly committed to a mental health facility in 2012. She was also convicted of criminal trespass in the same year and sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Last month, Tarver entered Potter’s House sporting a sling on her left arm. The woman tried approaching Jakes as he preached at the altar. She was apprehended by the church’s security team and spoken to about her erratic behavior.

An arrest warrant was put out for Tarver after her alleged trespassing attempt last month and she was placed behind bars on January 26. Tarver is currently being held at a Dallas County jail and has a bail of $1,000.